Details of Award

NERC Reference : NE/D006627/1

Establishment of outcrossing rates in natural populations of Arabidopsis lyrata

Principal Investigator:: Professor BK Mable, University of Glasgow, Environmental and Evolutionary Biology
Grant held at:: University of Glasgow, Environmental and Evolutionary Biology

ENRIs:: Biodiversity
Science Topics:: Population Genetics/Evolution; Conservation Ecology; Population Ecology

Abstract:: The proposed research is concerned with evaluating how the mating 'decisions' that plants make affect their genetic diversity and adaptive potential. This project will use molecular markers (microsatellite DNA) to infer historical levels of inbreeding in natural populations of a perennial weed (Arabidopsis lyrata) sampled from a broad but connected geographic area where extensive variation in rates of self-fertilization have been found. Considering that all populations sampled from other parts of the species range have been found to be highly outcrossing and suffer from substantial inbreeding depression (the reduction in fertility or survivorship of individuals resulting from self-fertilization compared to those from outcrossed matings) when forced to self-fertilize, the finding of populations with high rates of selfing was not expected but provides a rare opportunity to study the genetic and ecological consequences of mating system variation within a species (most previous comparisons have been between species). By quantifying outcrossing rates using microsatellites it will be possible to establish how variation in rates of self-fertilization affect genetic diversity and patterns of reproductive isolation in a phylogeographic context.

Authorised funds only

This grant award has a total value of £12,147

DI - Other Costs	Indirect - Indirect Costs	DA - Estate Costs	DI - Equipment
£8,372	£426	£92	£3,256

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